Here we are over three months later and I am just now writing about Brad's birth. It's sad because I swore to myself that I was going to do that while still in the hospital. That obviously didn't happen. Actually, I am not all that sure that I looked at my computer after that first day. I was entirely too enamored with my darling boy. Any ole way, on with the show (or rather post!)
The months leading up to Brad
The months leading up to Brad's birth were very busy and very scary. Because my fluid was low for a while I had to be watched closely. I actually had two ultrasounds a week for two months just to make sure he was developing properly. If you have had a baby then you know that that is a bit unusual and just needing to do that made me a bit frightened. And, as each visit to the doctor involved 2 to 4 hours of my time, I was busy. As the days ticked away I became more excited and more apprehensive. What if there was something wrong? He passed every test with flying colors but what if that meant nothing? As much as I worried I also felt a sense of calm that no matter what might happen we would be alright!
Brad's birth
Finally the day arrived, October 24th. Ahhh. Finally it was time to hold my sweet baby. We were lucky. We were the second family on the doctor's schedule for the day. That meant we didn't have to show up until around 7 (no 5 am arrival!) but we were still early enough to not have the doctor be pulled away for other people. We arrived right on time (a miracle in and of itself in this family) and were taken back promptly. They strapped the monitors on me and discovered that for the first time in four babies I was in labor! What? That makes miracle number two! They stuck me with the IV first time out and as much as it sound like over kill I call that miracle number three. I am a horrible stick! Within two hours of arrival time they had me rolled back and started the prep for c-section number 4. It was then that the worst part of my day occurred. I have never before had any too large an issue with getting my block. Actually the biggest issue I have ever had before was a really nasty anaesthesiologist when I had Kiddo. This time- ouch! It took him five or six tries to get it in the right spot. And, of course, it is not a pleasant feeling each time. Finally I had to steer him to right place by telling him what parts of my body were screaming in pain for the nerves being hit. Seriously not fun. (I now understand why they don't let Hubby observe this part of things!) Once we had that out of the way they let Hubby in to join the party. My doctor introduced us to the resident who would be working on me under his supervision and away we went. In no time flat Brad had joined us. He was born at 9:32 am. The doctor brought him to me for hugs and kisses. Hubby was allowed to cut the umbilical cord. Everything was perfect. He got a 9.9 on his APGAR. He was healthy and adorable! And amazing! :) Hubby went with him to the nursery while I was sewn up. Funny tidbit here- I want to have the option of having more children and that is greatly dependant upon the status of the scarring in my uterus. So, as I was laying on the operating table, belly all cut open and such I started talking to my doctor about how everything looks in there. My doctor and I had an entire conversation about it while the resident was sewing me up. The resident just kept getting this look that said, "What on earth? Are they really having this conversation?" But hey, what better time to ask how things look than when he can look, right? Really things went exceptionally well. I actually was able to make some of the phone calls myself after getting out of the OR!
Brad's first few days
Brad's amazing attributes did not stop with his wonderful APGAR score. We quickly discovered that he was born on a 4 hour schedule! It was incredible! He let me get four hour naps in after each time he ate! (Yeah, I know every other mother on the planet is jealous of me right now!) Our pediatrician checked him out and declared him wonderful (of course) and sweet. Brad was so calm and sweet that he never cried while the doctor was checking him. For that reason it was the next day before the pediatrician noticed that he was tongue tied. We ended up with my poor baby getting his tongue and his foreskin snipped on the same day. Once again I was so happy to have my boy get a plastibell! Even after those two traumas he was just a sweet and happy baby who slept well and cuddled close. Willkins loved him immediately. Any worries I had about whether or not he understood that the baby was coming out of my belly were immediately alleviated. He just wanted to pet and kiss "his" baby! From day one they became friends. Thank goodness for my sweet babies because my back hurt a lot more than usual this time around. I mentioned the pain even on the first day but I hadn't told my Hubby about the issues putting the block in. Once we hit a point where the adrenaline rush of a new baby had worn off and he seemed pretty rested I filled him in. Thank goodness because soon thereafter I wanted to shower and apparently my whole back was one big bruise. Even the nurse caught her breath and said, "Oh my goodness! Ow!" when she saw it. But hey, if that is the biggest issue I have from the birth then woo hoo! I really have no reason to complain about it all. The most important thing is that Brad is amazing and healthy!
So there you have it, the story of how I added yet another amazing little boy to my brood!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Who you gonna call?
Yesterday was Halloween and true to form, my family went with a theme. Surely you can tell from the blog title just what that theme was, right? My boys went as characters from Ghostbusters. Boogie was the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Will was a Ghostbuster and Brad was Slimer! It was Boogie's idea but oh my goodness did the entire neighborhood seem to love it! Everywhere we went people pointed the boys out and would say things like, "the cutest thing ever" or "best costumes of the night" and it completely made me grin. It made the boys pretty happy too!
I guess now I have to set my mind toward another theme with three possibilities for boys...
I guess now I have to set my mind toward another theme with three possibilities for boys...
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The end of an era!
We have reached the end of an era. In just 4 hours I will wake up to prepare to go in for my fourth c-section. In just a couple hours more than that Will will cease to be the baby of the family. I will suddenly be the mother to 4 children instead of 3.
Sometime tomorrow morning, Brad will finally be in my arms instead of my womb. It seems odd to say that the time has come. It seems like we should have more time, and yet it seems like I have been pregnant forever! Each child begins a new chapter in my life, a new bit of story to grow right along with him. And so, we have reached the end and the beginning at the same time. Welcome precious Brad, I can't wait to live your story with you!
Sometime tomorrow morning, Brad will finally be in my arms instead of my womb. It seems odd to say that the time has come. It seems like we should have more time, and yet it seems like I have been pregnant forever! Each child begins a new chapter in my life, a new bit of story to grow right along with him. And so, we have reached the end and the beginning at the same time. Welcome precious Brad, I can't wait to live your story with you!
Friday, October 19, 2012
The little moments matter
Today was not an exceptionally good day. I don't feel like I accomplished anything on my list. Boogie was still a bit under the weather. Hubby had so much work to do. When we tried to go out as a family Will's diaper failed. It just wasn't a very good day. Defeated, we trudged upstairs to put the boys to bed. When we entered their room, ahh the disappointment. It was a mess. As a group we began straightening up, everyone a bit sad to have to include that in the bedtime routine. And then things just changed.
Will was little wound up. He started backing up across the room, getting a running start and then throwing himself into my arms. Next he did that to Hubby and finally to Boogie. Hubby sought to calm him down by pretending to sleep on the floor. Little did he know that whenever Will and I catch Boogie asleep we pretend he's a sleeping prince who needs love to wake up. Of course, Will immediately thought that was the game his daddy was playing and began hugging and kissing him. By the time Hubby got up Will had decided he would make a nice horse. Next Will wanted me to bounce him while Boogie and Hubby interacted. Eventually I insisted the kids make their way to the beds. Just before they climbed in Will decided to hand out some more hugs and kisses. I snatched him up and said, "Where's the best place for kisses?" and began to call out places and kiss him. On the foot, on the hand, on the shoulder, on the head, on the knee, on the ear, on the belly, on the nose, on the elbow, on the cheek, on the mouth. I tried to give him a hug then but he was too busy pushing me away as he shouted out, "No, on the brother!" He ran to Boogie, hugged him tight around the neck and gave him a kiss. We all laughed and threw out our arms. Will started running from one person to the next with big hugs and sweet kisses.
As our spontaneous little playtime came to a close I realized I was starting to tear up. Obviously my pregnancy hormones were getting the better of me, but I think most people would be tempted to cry too. Really, it hadn't been a great day but somehow that little bit of happiness and togetherness was the only thing that mattered about the day. It wasn't a planned event, a big activity or a wrapped present but it was one of those little moments that will always matter to me. The little moments really do matter, they are what family is made of!
Will was little wound up. He started backing up across the room, getting a running start and then throwing himself into my arms. Next he did that to Hubby and finally to Boogie. Hubby sought to calm him down by pretending to sleep on the floor. Little did he know that whenever Will and I catch Boogie asleep we pretend he's a sleeping prince who needs love to wake up. Of course, Will immediately thought that was the game his daddy was playing and began hugging and kissing him. By the time Hubby got up Will had decided he would make a nice horse. Next Will wanted me to bounce him while Boogie and Hubby interacted. Eventually I insisted the kids make their way to the beds. Just before they climbed in Will decided to hand out some more hugs and kisses. I snatched him up and said, "Where's the best place for kisses?" and began to call out places and kiss him. On the foot, on the hand, on the shoulder, on the head, on the knee, on the ear, on the belly, on the nose, on the elbow, on the cheek, on the mouth. I tried to give him a hug then but he was too busy pushing me away as he shouted out, "No, on the brother!" He ran to Boogie, hugged him tight around the neck and gave him a kiss. We all laughed and threw out our arms. Will started running from one person to the next with big hugs and sweet kisses.
As our spontaneous little playtime came to a close I realized I was starting to tear up. Obviously my pregnancy hormones were getting the better of me, but I think most people would be tempted to cry too. Really, it hadn't been a great day but somehow that little bit of happiness and togetherness was the only thing that mattered about the day. It wasn't a planned event, a big activity or a wrapped present but it was one of those little moments that will always matter to me. The little moments really do matter, they are what family is made of!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
2 checkups in 2 days
A few days ago Will turned 18 months old. That, of course, means the time has come for his 18 month check up and his first dental appointment. Amazingly, he had both of them this week! Monday was his first trip to the dentist and today was his check-up.
Monday went amazingly well. I expected him to cry and scream. I mean, who likes the dentist? Not at all the case! All the hygienist had to do was show him the toothbrush and he opened his mouth for her just like he does for me everyday for brushing! I was so impressed. Really the only thing he didn't seem to like very much was the fluoride treatment. Even then he only whimpered about it for a second. The entire staff seemed to agree that it was the best dental visit they have ever seen for a guy so young!
Will was in a completely different mood today. He cried the minute we got into the room. He didn't want to be weighed or measured at all. He didn't scream bloody murder or anything, he just kept crying and giving me sad eyes. He apparently remembers that that is where he gets shots! And, of course, he got two shots today! :( Poor little fella just couldn't catch a break! He was a good boy about them and the doctor was happy with his development so I can't complain at all. It was just sad. When we got in the van he said to me, "Momma, it hurts!" Hopefully the soreness will be gone by the morning!
Monday went amazingly well. I expected him to cry and scream. I mean, who likes the dentist? Not at all the case! All the hygienist had to do was show him the toothbrush and he opened his mouth for her just like he does for me everyday for brushing! I was so impressed. Really the only thing he didn't seem to like very much was the fluoride treatment. Even then he only whimpered about it for a second. The entire staff seemed to agree that it was the best dental visit they have ever seen for a guy so young!
Will was in a completely different mood today. He cried the minute we got into the room. He didn't want to be weighed or measured at all. He didn't scream bloody murder or anything, he just kept crying and giving me sad eyes. He apparently remembers that that is where he gets shots! And, of course, he got two shots today! :( Poor little fella just couldn't catch a break! He was a good boy about them and the doctor was happy with his development so I can't complain at all. It was just sad. When we got in the van he said to me, "Momma, it hurts!" Hopefully the soreness will be gone by the morning!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
On the hunt
Anyone that knows me well at all can tell you that I am a list girl. I make to do lists for everything! Of course, that means that I have a list (or three) of things to get done before this baby comes. Most things on my to do lists I can assign a time frame. You know how it goes- install baby gate: 30 minutes, reorganize pantry: 2 hrs, Clean out freezer: 1 hr, Choose going home outfit: Oh my goodness, who knows!
Yep, choosing an outfit for my newest baby to go home in has been quite a challenge. I am willing to reuse most anything from one baby to the next but the going home outfit is the exception. I feel like each baby deserves to face the big, bad world for the first time in something chosen just for them! It has always been a big deal to me, ever since I didn't get to choose my daughter's going home outfit. Her birth was early and far from home and so I didn't have anything with me. Luckily, my Aunt Connie had made the hellish drive down just to be there for us and she went shopping for me. I have always been grateful for that, but it just solidified in my mind the importance of planning for as many contingencies as possible.
We didn't have any problems finding something for Boogie. We were broke and really would only get to look at all the cute baby clothes. When we ran across something that was so cute that we were willing to forgo a meal for, it came home with us as his going home outfit. It's a cuddly yellow and white almost corduroy feeling material with 2 embroidered ducks on it. I must say I still think it is utterly adorable.
We had more difficulty with Will. Really that makes sense since we were out to find something that would challenge Boogie's outfit for ultimate cuteness. Eventually we found the cutest little bunny outfit of pale blue for our little Easter time baby. It is so soft and snugly. Again, I still LOVE it!
I should have realized that this time around would be even more difficult. Now everything I look at is competing with two other outfits! And, of course, it needs to be completely different from the other outfits! So for months now we have been looking all over the place for something amazing. We checked Carter's, Osh Kosh, Children's Place, Janie and Jack, Crazy 8's, etc. We checked each store numerous times constantly waiting for the stock to change. No luck.
Just when I thought that I would have to settle something amazing happened... we found something cute. It's cotton so it's not as fancy as the other outfits have been but what it lacks in fancy it makes up for in sweet. It is white with blue and gray, with elephants on it to represent the little chunker on the way. And it says, "Mommy loves me" which is so very true. It's simple but, with everything else we've had thrown at us lately, simple seems perfect.
Yep, choosing an outfit for my newest baby to go home in has been quite a challenge. I am willing to reuse most anything from one baby to the next but the going home outfit is the exception. I feel like each baby deserves to face the big, bad world for the first time in something chosen just for them! It has always been a big deal to me, ever since I didn't get to choose my daughter's going home outfit. Her birth was early and far from home and so I didn't have anything with me. Luckily, my Aunt Connie had made the hellish drive down just to be there for us and she went shopping for me. I have always been grateful for that, but it just solidified in my mind the importance of planning for as many contingencies as possible.
We didn't have any problems finding something for Boogie. We were broke and really would only get to look at all the cute baby clothes. When we ran across something that was so cute that we were willing to forgo a meal for, it came home with us as his going home outfit. It's a cuddly yellow and white almost corduroy feeling material with 2 embroidered ducks on it. I must say I still think it is utterly adorable.
We had more difficulty with Will. Really that makes sense since we were out to find something that would challenge Boogie's outfit for ultimate cuteness. Eventually we found the cutest little bunny outfit of pale blue for our little Easter time baby. It is so soft and snugly. Again, I still LOVE it!
I should have realized that this time around would be even more difficult. Now everything I look at is competing with two other outfits! And, of course, it needs to be completely different from the other outfits! So for months now we have been looking all over the place for something amazing. We checked Carter's, Osh Kosh, Children's Place, Janie and Jack, Crazy 8's, etc. We checked each store numerous times constantly waiting for the stock to change. No luck.
Just when I thought that I would have to settle something amazing happened... we found something cute. It's cotton so it's not as fancy as the other outfits have been but what it lacks in fancy it makes up for in sweet. It is white with blue and gray, with elephants on it to represent the little chunker on the way. And it says, "Mommy loves me" which is so very true. It's simple but, with everything else we've had thrown at us lately, simple seems perfect.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Playing Kissyface
I love so many of the phases children go through. I love when newborns grasp tightly to a finger just out of reflex. I love when babies first learn a word and they just babble it over and over. I love the shocked look when a toddler first accomplishes a new feat. I could go on and on listing off the amazing phases children go through but I have to just pause on the phase that Willkins is currently in. Perhaps it is because it is his current phase but, at least for right now, this is my FAVORITE phase!
He's in the kissy phase! He kisses me whenever he walks past me. He wrestles Boogie to the floor, grabs his head and just kisses and kisses him all over his head. He runs up to the cats, wraps his arms around them and kisses them. He grabs each little stuffed animal, hugs it and kisses it before moving on to the next. Sometimes he just crawls up in my lap and begins kissing me. He'll kiss my knees, my shoulders, my cheeks and just anywhere that he can.
I love having him express his affection so freely. It is so sweet and amazing. I know that he won't be in this lovely phase for as long as I would love him to be. That would be impossible! But at least I can enjoy it for now! :)
He's in the kissy phase! He kisses me whenever he walks past me. He wrestles Boogie to the floor, grabs his head and just kisses and kisses him all over his head. He runs up to the cats, wraps his arms around them and kisses them. He grabs each little stuffed animal, hugs it and kisses it before moving on to the next. Sometimes he just crawls up in my lap and begins kissing me. He'll kiss my knees, my shoulders, my cheeks and just anywhere that he can.
I love having him express his affection so freely. It is so sweet and amazing. I know that he won't be in this lovely phase for as long as I would love him to be. That would be impossible! But at least I can enjoy it for now! :)
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